Event Recap: WordCamp Phoenix

WordCamps

March 1, 2018 by Nicole P

When it comes to WordCamps across the country, WordCamp Phoenix is one of the larger, most well-respected camps held all year long. The organizers have a reputation for running a streamlined, well-designed event. Last year’s event was one of the BoldGrid team’s favorite WordCamps, and this year was no exception. The event doubled in size in less than half a year, making for a truly amazing conference. It was held on Feburary 16th and 17th at Galvanize, one of our favorite venues. The design combines modern styling with a rustic, warehouse feel. This year’s WordCamp theme was air travel, with a style similar to Pan American World Airways or Trans World Airlines. The official WAPUU for this event was designed by WAPU.US, which BoldGrid is proud to sponsor. The BoldGrid team arrived Thursday night, but unfortunately the team missed the sponsor and speaker party due to flight logistics. However, MikeDemo was still able to get his speaker gifts! One was a Passport Wallet, which is perfect timing, considering he’s heading to CloudFest Global in Germany in just a few weeks to promote BoldGrid abroad. On Friday morning we arrived early, and surprised WordCamp organizer Raquel with a visit from the BoldGrid team, complete with Boldie. Like at so many other events, Boldie went and got herself kidnapped (or dragon-napped?) again! We suspected Raquel as being the mastermind. But don’t worry, MikeDemo planned it with the rest of the organizing team, and Boldie was back in BoldGrid’s booth in no time. Later that morning MikeDemo gave a speech entitled “Which Way Does Your Duck Face?” In this duck-themed session, MikeDemo spoke on website design, increasing conversion rates, and how to maximize your ROI with A/B testing. We are proud to say he filled the auditorium! You can check out his session’s slides and video on the Phoenix WordCamp website. After the morning’s session, it was time for lunch! Lunch breaks at WordCamp are a great time to connect with event attendees. There were two options for lunch, a local burrito restaurant, or a catered lunch. MikeDemo decided to connect with his peers over the local cuisine, so he went with the Mexican choice. The afternoon was spent with old and new friends, networking and sharing insights into a wide variety of topics spanning many different industries, all bonding over the mutual love and respect of WordPress. While the BoldGrid team was busy networking, Boldie explored the local flora. Later that evening, we connected with more WordCamp people at a local Vegan restaurant, which is turning into a tradition for the BoldGrid team. After a few activities around town, the team turned in to get some much needed sleep for the next day. The next morning brought great sessions and fantastic speakers providing useful insights into a variety of topics, from design, to business development, to content strategy. The team networked with even more incredible people from all over the world and discussed WordPress and BoldGrid. Lunch was delicious, with a range of Asian cuisine choices. Boldie was stoked about the lunch options. After WordCamp concluded, MikeDemo and a few others from the event attended a local Phoenix Rising soccer match. There, MikeDemo ran into one of his listeners back from his days of broadcasting the MousePlanet Podcast. Following the soccer match, the BoldGrid team connected with a bunch of peers, friends, and generally awesome people for a great dinner at a restaurant called The Counter. The food was incredible, especially the Impossible Burger—a vegan, meatless burger that looks and tastes just like beef. The WordCamp after party was a blast as always! Everyone had a great time talking and networking while having fun. It’s been rumored that Boldie had the most fun (she even tried to drive away with the GoDaddy bus). All in all, this was a great WordCamp event. We can’t wait to come back next year. Next on BoldGrid’s agenda is LoopConf, in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’re attending, keep an eye out for MikeDemo and Boldie so you can stop by and say hi!